Union Square’s carpark building is now open, adding another 300-plus private car parks to the CBD. And the third building in this exciting new development (Building E) is expected to be ready in August.
Very quickly, the south-end of Hamilton’s CBD is changing, growing and attracting enquiry from notable businesses – which is exactly what Fosters had in mind when they first floated the idea of the Union Square development in 2019.
A Fosters joint venture project, Union Square is Hamilton’s marque office and retail development, bringing to Hamilton a world-class commerce environment. The precinct uniquely combines retail, office and lifestyle space and offers proximity to multiple public transport options, childcare providers, and hotels.
Designed and built with the specific intent for occupiers to ‘Experience Better’, Union Square incorporates large inviting common spaces that encourage a sense of community. This, paired with exceptional architectural design, offers an experiential workplace to help businesses attract and retain talent.
Within a short walking distance, tenants can soak up Hamilton’s already vibrant south-end, with inspiring exhibitions at the Waikato Museum, a tasty selection of cafes, bars and award-winning restaurants. The new 1300-seat Waikato Regional Theatre, set for completion in 2024, will add world class music and theatre to the offering.
Wellness is a key focus at Union Square with a gym, yoga and Pilates, and green spaces on offer within the precinct. End of trip facilities include over 30 shower/WC amenities, within individual buildings and the new car park building. These are professionally managed and supported with lockers, ironing and hair drying facilities.
And the Union Square App – being developed with Company X – will add efficiency for tenants. Users will be able to book a yoga session, order coffee, book a meeting room in the business centre or even a share car to visit a client.
“Fosters are honoured to play the role we have in reshaping the south-end of the CBD with the Union Square and Theatre projects. Both projects are prime examples of our continued commitment to investing in Hamilton City, with a view of building a strong future for the wider Waikato business community,” Fosters Develop Director Rhys Harvey says.
Like-minded businesses – Rabobank, AA Insurance, Craigs Investment Partners – have already moved into Union Square. While the likes of Company X, BBO, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, Harcourts and James & Wells are due to move into Building E, referred to as the Union Square Business Centre, by the end of the year.
Within the business centre, there will be state of the art meeting rooms and conference facilities which precinct tenants will be able to book by the hour, day, or week.
Craigs Investment Adviser for Hamilton Stuart Anderson says moving into Union Square has been a fantastic experience. “We chose Union Square as we wanted to give our business room for future growth. We also wanted to enhance our ability to educate our staff and clients through better technology and innovative spaces. Most importantly, we wanted to provide our team with a vibrant and safe workspace, including secure private parking, which is increasingly hard to find in the CBD.
“The lift in energy on day one when our team arrived was obvious” continues Stuart. “The workspace has exceeded expectations on overall aesthetics, services (including the café and facilities) as well as feeling like we’re part of something new and exciting, that will keep changing as more of this development takes shape.
“Combined with the new Regional Theatre development, we’re really looking forward to the south end of the CBD becoming a great place to work and grow together as a team.”
More than 150 people attended the Union Square rooftop shout at the end of April. The event combined a celebration of the new car park, plus an update on the CBD from Fosters, Hamilton Central Business Association, the Waikato Chamber of Commerce, and the Waikato Regional Theatre.
“We really enjoyed hosting a great range of Hamilton businesspeople at the rooftop shout” says Rhys. “It was a great opportunity for people to experience some of Union Square and to hear about the ongoing development of this area of town.
“For us the car park is a forward-looking investment for both the city and our Union Square tenants. The rooftop also happens to offer fantastic views over the city – perhaps we can make rooftop CBD updates a regular thing in the future!”
